18 REPORT ON THE CAOUTCHOUC OP COMMERCE. 
West Indies. 
Under the name of “ West India ” the best description of Central 
American Caoutchouc is known. The finest is in the form of 
blocks, consisting of thin separable “ sheet 55 and of great purity, 
and the second as tc scrap ” good, but barky. In general character 
it is good, but barky. None of the West India Islands seem to 
produce Caoutchouc for commercial purposes, and it owes its name 
to the fact of the West India steamer calling at St. Thomas as the 
last station. Yucatan or Belize or the Central Republics may 
furnish it. 
Honduras. 
This description of Caoutchouc, probably also the produce of 
* Castilloa elastic a 3 appears rarely in English markets. It is of good 
quality, and very free from “ tarry ” matter. 
Guatemala. 
This Caoutchouc is the lowest American variety. It is prepared 
in blocks, consisting of sheets pressed together, but contains mixed 
with the Caoutchouc more of the black resinous substance ' than 
any other variety. This resin, which gives Caoutchouc a tarry ” 
appearance, is not liked, and its presence in quantity prevents 
Guatemala Caoutchouc from attaining a much higher price. 
Mr. Mann informs me that in Hanover they do not intend to 
buy any more of this variety; as the “ tarry ” matter is believed to 
make the workmen ill. 
Mexico. 
As lias already been stated, the Castilloa elastica is very abundant 
in some parts of Mexico, on the warm coast regions, and especially 
at Cordova and Yera Cruz. Parcels of Mexican Caoutchouc have 
been recently sold in London and Liverpool. 
2. — Asiatic Sources op- Supply. 
Ficus elastica , Roxb. &c. 
Ficus elastica , Roxb., El. Ind., v. iii. p, 545. 
Vernacular Names .; — Knsnir or Kasmeer (Bengal). Pohon 
Karet or Kohlehlet (Javanese). 
Geographic Distribution. — Assam, Java, and probably 
other Malayan countries. Cultivated in Malabar, &c. 
